Dawson Ready To Wale On Calzaghe; Joe Calzaghe Post Fight Quotes

NEW YORK, NY (November 8, 2008) -- Undefeated IBF/IBO light heavyweight champion CHAD DAWSON wants to be the first to congratulate Joe Calzaghe on his dominate victory over Roy Jones, Jr. at Madison Square Garden tonight. "Joe has lot to be proud of and I for one am very impressed," stated Dawson. "If Joe wants to have his grand farewell in Wales, I am ready to accommodate. My passport and world title belts are ready to travel across the pond. I'm ready to give Joe the opportunity to draw the curtain on his great career in front of his family and friends and 70,000 fans. It's the best fight in the light heavyweight division between two undefeated champions.."

"Roy stunned me. He hit me with a good punch. That is what being a champion is all about. But I didn't panic. I composed myself, got back up and started to fight again. I just boxed.

"My power is in my recovery. Anyone can fall on the floor. How you recover is what matters. I think it showed my heart, and I came back twice as strong.

"I've been knocked down before, and when I get knocked down I come back stronger.

"I am overwhelmed at the moment. It took me eight years to get a unification fight and I was more frustrated than anyone. Before the Lacy fight, I hadn't been given the chance to fight a true champion. I wanted to show the world that I was a true champion, that it was no fault of my own that I hadn't fought a unification bout.

"I am just so happy. This year I beat two legends in Hopkins and Jones, and I came to the United States to do it. I took the risk. They didn't come to me. I came to them. I came to New York City make it happen. I made it happen tonight.

(Watching a replay of the punch)
"I really didn't see the punch coming. I feel like I am having de ja vu.

"I feel really relaxed with my hands on my sides. That's just my style. In the first round I was a little bit weary, but I knew I would be okay because I know for a fact it is hard for anyone to fight my style. I was in my rhythm.

"I love the way Roy fights. I knew with his style it would be a good fight...I have a lot of respect for Roy Jones. He is a great fighter.

"I think I showed what a true champion is all about. I thank God, I thank my dad and I thank my team...I worked so hard and it all paid off.

"Roy showed that he has heart. He fought all twelve rounds. It was almost dangerous, but he kept going.

"I knew I had to make Roy Jones respect my punches. ..I always felt I was a step ahead of Roy. I knew what he was going to do before he did it.

"I felt in control of the fight after the first round, but Roy is always dangerous.

(On retirement)
"I am going to sit down with my family, take some time and think about it.

(Looking into the camera)
"Hey mom, I love you. I hope I didn't make you too nervous in the first round."